Thanks to police officer who made week better

The other night at about 9 p.m., I went to McDonald’s on my bike. I ordered five burgers and five fries and on the way home my bag broke. I had five burgers and one order of fries scattered on the ground.

This morning I was feeling about as happy as I could be, mostly because I share a wonderful, loving relationship with my partner. We stood next to each other — in public — and I kissed her cheek several times as we stood close to each other, embracing.

I was a bit shocked when someone marched over and informed us of his view that this was inappropriate. He said that he “might have to ask us to leave.” I reacted badly, I’m afraid. Something hit me and I became angered, and for that I am embarrassed. But for nothing else will I ever apologize.

It wasn’t aggravation about yet another absurd rule or law — there are plenty of those and I’m almost used to them. Or that someone can be so twisted to deem PDA (public display of affection) as some kind of disorder in a disorder-crazed society.

In that moment I reflected on the whole of human suffering, all of the really serious problems in our world like poverty, hunger, homelessness, teenagers shipped off to fight endless, undeclared wars that kill tens of millions of people around the world, disease and prisons for profit, drug addiction, ubiquitous direct and indirect slavery and oppression, violence and depravity in our neighborhoods, all of it.

It's my duty to ensure informed decisions

The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors is elected by its constituents to pass and repeal local laws called ordinances. The Board is also tasked with a myriad of responsibilities including levying taxes, collecting taxes, and adopting a fiscally sound budget.

One of the most important roles the Board plays is as a facilitator of discussion and open dialogue relating to issues pertinent to the community it serves. The responsibility to ensure decisions are made with the best available information and with respectful dialogue cannot be overstated.

Finigan obstructing effort to join Jefferson

Why is Supervisor David Finigan ignoring the will of the residents of Del Norte County and his own fellow supervisors? Why is Supervisor Finigan erecting barriers along the road to the state of Jefferson?

Research needed before decision to breach lake

I and members of the Friends of Del Norte have concerns about breaching Lake Earl during this period of severe drought, which is on the Board of Supervisors agenda today.

This morning the supervisors will be voting on a staff recommendation to breach the Lake Earl Lagoon in mid-February. The staff recommendation to breach offers absolutely no data or analysis of what is at stake.

Coast to Crest Trail a worthy career highlight

Congratulations to Mary Kay Vandiver on her retirement from the Forest Service “Looking back on 11 years in NRA,” Jan. 7. Mary Kay has done an outstanding job over the last 11 years as district ranger for the Smith River National Recreation Area.

Courageous woman restores faith in DN

Just a brief note to express my admiration for the woman described in the Jan. 9 article, “Burglars flee from armed woman.”

This one courageous elderly woman with her gun has restored my faith and pride in Del Norte County and has done more for the betterment of our society than the thousands of wimpy anti-gun “liberals” infesting our governments and our media. She deserves national headlines and a presidential medal, but I doubt that will happen.

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